Hong Kong is spearheading an initiative to build a robust supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), in the global aviation industry's push for decarbonisation, according to authorities.

The initiative, announced at the third World Sustainability Symposium in Hong Kong, involves close collaboration with local businesses and mainland authorities.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan announced in her keynote address the city’s vision for 1 to 2 percent of all flights departing from Hong Kong airport to be powered by SAF by 2030.

"Given Hong Kong's close proximity to the Chinese mainland, which has the largest supply of used cooking oil, we are leveraging this advantage to create significant SAF supply for Hong Kong," she said.

"We are actively exploring the construction of a SAF landing facility right here in Hong Kong. This facility aims to support the provision of competitively priced SAF landed jet fuel in the long run, hence raising the competitiveness of Hong Kong SAF industry."

Echoing the government’s commitment, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam detailed the airline’s proactive role in developing the SAF ecosystem.

He said the city's flagship carrier was one of the first airlines in Asia to introduce SAF at Hong Kong airport and has since been uplifting blended SAF at various airports across its global network.

"We are also working closely with the broader industry to advance SAF adoption," he said.

"This includes signing MOUs and forming coalitions with various partners both in Hong Kong, in the Chinese mainland, and around the world."

Alongside its SAF efforts, Lam said investing in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet remains a major pillar of Cathay’s sustainability strategy.

The World Sustainability Symposium, which runs from October 21 to 22, is being held in Asia for the first time.